it's just wonderful to be nominated

With the Academy Award nominees to be announced at the end of this month, I thought I would go ahead and compile a list of my favs from the past. These are nominees that weren't necessarily winners. But, they're winners in my book. Do yourself a favor and check them out.

Mystic River
I'm not sure how much of an impact this one had at the box office. But, it was the most incredible cinema experience I had in 2004. Sean Penn's best work. Tim Robbins' best performance. And, dear old Clint Eastwood at the top of his game. Not to mention, the script is simply mind-numbingly incredible.

Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Direction
Best Actor- Sean Penn (winner)
Best Supporting Actor- Tim Robbins (winner)
Best Supporting Actress- Marcia Gay Harden

Lost In Translation
Such a beautiful and offbeat classic. Bill Murray is so endearing and genuine. Japan is a beautiful backdrop for this interesting and fun love story. And, who can forget Scarlett Johansson? What do you think Bob whispers at the end?

Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Actor- Bill Murray
Best Direction
Best Screenplay

The Straight Story
Based on the true story of Alvin Straight going across the country. Richard Farnsworth is perfect as the sensitive old man who makes the trek to visit his long lost brother. A decidedly different style from director David Lynch.

Nomination:
Best Actor-Richard Farnsworth

whacky weekend

I had a weird, amazing weekend. Friday the 13th, I pulled out of the driveway in my ghetto hatchback. I just spoke to my Mom, telling her I felt apprehensive about the 4 hour drive to Nashville. I told her if I were to have a flat tire, I didn't have a jack to change it or anything. She replied with a, "Well, don't have a flat."

After 4 hours of rainy dark roads, I reached my Nashville destination. Then, wouldn't you know it, I got a flat tire. I was never a believer in Friday the 13th magic until this past weekend. It was quite an ordeal to fix it. Luckily, there were people to help me.

I went roller skating with middle schoolers. We also went to a dance club called "Red Iguana." We lived the good life.

I stayed with some friends in their apt. Then, my friend Tara got a new puppy.

The End

Happy Friday 13th

Sorry I've been a blogging slacker lately. I'll be out of town. But, hopefully, I'll be back to blogging shortly thereafter. Peace.

Penguins

There's this guy at work who's kind of dirty. He has scruffy hair, and he smells like dirty clothes and sweat. I'm pretty sure he never showers. It turns out this guy, who's probably forty years old or so, has 21 kids. Some are biological, but most are adopted. I think he lives out on a farm somewhere. It's somewhat insane.

I saw an incredible film tonight. If you haven't seen March of the Penguins, you should do yourself a favor. It's a beautiful story of love, and survival. It is a testament to God's majestic creation. I found myself being emotionally moved at the strangest moments. It's such an earnest and profoundly simple story that pulls at the heart strings. Watch it with your family, or a group of friends.

Click here for the official web site.

So Are The Days of Our Lives

Well, folks, I'm off to work. In fact, writing this very blog entry will probably make me late. But, it's okay, because no one really notices.

This late afternoon, I go off to my retail job. Then, I close up shop, and I have to be back there in the morning. Crazy hours. So, 24 hours from now I'll be able to come home and take a rest. It's strange.

I don't know if this job is a good thing or not. It keeps me minimally productive, while bringing in a little money. Yet, when I get home at the end of the day, I come home to a house full of empty questions. There are no answers offered throughout the day. It is a means of existence. I don't know if it really changes when a career starts. I don't know if anyone can honestly say, "Oh, don't worry, it gets better." Aren't we all always existing in an in-between place? It's that in-between place where you're vaguely waiting for the future, while trying to hold the present together. Making ends meet, fulfilling duty. Is there any answer beyond this career existence? Is that my contribution to society? That's it? What a rip off.

Listen to my audio post about In Good Company below.

audio blogging is here!!

favorite movies 2005

With Oscar nominees being announced at the end of this month, I've been contemplating. What are my favorite movies from 2005? Despite lots of hype, I think 2005 was a sparse year for movies. But, amongst the ruins, a handful of gems shine. Here are my favorite movies from last year:

Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith
Sitting in a crowded theater opening night, my expectations for the final Star Wars installments were not too high. After Episodes 1 and 2 were kind of odd curveballs, falling short of expectations, I thought this one would be the same. However, that proved to be wrong!

George Lucas eased off the CGI effects in exchange for old-fashioned model making. And, the results show. Also, with the experience of directing the first two, Lucas seemed to hit a new stride with Revenge of the Sith. It was also obvious that he was much more passionate about this story than the first two episodes. Leading performances are great. Despite the exceedingly dark tone, it's still a fun Star Wars movie that is worthy of the original trilogy.

Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith Official web site

Broken Flowers
Director Jim Jarmusch wrote this offbeat film, and released it to staunch mixed critical reaction. This is definitely a love-it-or-hate-it film. I happen to be one who loves this one. I saw it again recently (It was just released on DVD), and it was just as magical as the first time I saw it. Bill Murray glues the whole thing together with a brilliant and subtle performance. And, of course, a wonderful cast of supporters (including Jeffrey Wright, Sharon Stone, and Julie Depley) really enhance this movie. I don't know if there are Academy Awards awaiting this movie (I think probably not), but it doesn't matter. I love it. It is gentle, poetic, heartfelt, and funny.

Broken Flowers Official web site

Super Size Me
Okay, so this one technically came out in 2004. So, sue me. Its effects spilled over into 2005. And, I still think about it every time I see the golden arches.

Morgan Spurlock went on a crusade to unveil the terrible truths of McDonalds fast food. Eating nothing but McDonald's fast food for 30 days, this documentary follows the bizarre ups and downs (mostly downs) of his journey. Developing really serious health problems, Morgan shows the reality that fast food is really, really, really bad for you!

Super Size Me Official web site

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Okay, folks. I know this pick sounds flakey. But, hang with me here. I went into this film with flimsy expectations. I thought it may be interesting to see a new Tim Burton film. But I thought this remake was going to be half-baked, overwrought, and maybe even boring to sit through. However, I was very pleasantly surprised by the neverending creativity, charm, and fun of this popcorn movie. Johnny Depp is a bit of an odd pick to play Willy Wonka. But, I love him as an actor. And, what do you expect from Burton? This is a great one.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Official web site


Admittedly, there are several films that will probably get showers of accolade that I simply missed this year. For example, Walk the Line somehow slipped by me. And, Pride and Prejudice will probably get some Oscar attention. Brokeback Mountain, which I am not particularly interested in, will also probably get some props. LuGood Night and Good Luck is probably fantastic. But, I missed it, too.

On top of that, there are films which I should have liked more, but simply didn't. They had the potential to be favorites, but didn't quite make the cut. For example, the Chronicles of Narnia is certainly interesting. But, not really one of my favs. Also, Corpse Bride proved to be an interesting new release by Tim Burton and Danny Elfman. Which, by all accounts, could have been a classic. But, was just so-so in my book.

Also worthy of honorable mention is the new King Kong film. It is fun, different, epic, and exciting. It is worthy of mention.

Click here for the IMDB official "Road to the Oscars" web site. There is a poll there which you can fill out, to vote for your favorites of 2005.

Reaching for an Unknown Future

Yesterday morning, January 1 2006, I went to church here in Athens, Tennessee. I went with my parents, and my three year old neice. The church was crowded and stuffy, and the pastor spoke of the future. He made an analogy to writing pens. He said he'd rather have a cheap, frayed pen that writes, as opposed to a fancy, expensive pen that doesn't work. So, I suppose it's much the same way if we bury our talents. He also spoke of God's protection and guidance for our lives in the new year. In that light, there are definite changes that need to be made in my life.

Later that day, I worked a mediocre shift at Target. I goofed off quite a bit back in the toy/sporting goods department with a co-worker. I was riding a Schwinn bike around in the back room, ignoring the basic requirements of my arbitrary job. Then, when we closed up shop, I impulsively went to IHop with a small group of fellow employees. We were an eclectic mix of various college students, and a middle aged guy. We laughed loudly and obnoxiously, eating pancakes at midnight. It was a vague throwback to my early college days. I haven't laughed that freely in a long, long time.

A couple of my co-workers told me that I should consider doing cartoon voices, or starting my own web site dedicated to...well, whatever. Little do they know of my little blogging world! I guess my co-workers and I don't really see the real sides of each other in the work environment. Most of my time at work is spent in a half-sedated state, in which I'm intoxicated by boredom and mediocrity. I have become a clock watcher. A weekend junkie. I constantly live for my next few minutes of freedom, rather than living completely in every moment.

Does that sound too romantic? But hasn't God called us to be free all the time? I mean, I'm not anti-responsibility, but I'm certainly anti-slavery. I actually feel a heavy sense of responsibility in my life. To the point where it's dibilitating sometimes.

2006 certainly holds many changes for me. There is a fire that I am attempting to recapture. If you've ever held that fire, you know what I mean. It's the fire of existing, in the moment. The fire of knowing you are in your zone, being 100% who you were born to be. If I can capture that in 2006, my new year's resolution will be fulfilled.

Yay! Christmas!

Here's what I got for Christmas:

1. electric razor

2. Nintendo Gamecube

3. DVD

4. Carrie Underwood album

5. various clothing

What'd you get?

impulse Christmas

I just got back from Birmingham, AL last night. Some friends of mine at Student Life invited me to participate in some video making for youth camp. It was a blast, and just what I needed. We had fun.

I know a person shouldn't impulse buy things this close to Christmas. (especially useless stuff!!) But, earlier I bought the Garfield Holiday Celebrations DVD. So, if anyone got me that for Christmas, I apologize! But, it's one of my favs of all time!!!!

I also finished up my Christmas shopping. It's never what I want it to be. But, I guess my gifts will be acceptable. There's nothing like celebrating the birth of our Savior by buying each other 80's movies on DVD.

Christmas time

Well, kids, Christmas is one week away. It is hard to believe the last two months have gone by so fast. My stint at my retail store may soon be over! And, with family holiday plans being in shambles, it's none too soon. I'll be glad to be done with that place.

That being said, I reflect on the meaning of Christmas. It's tough to continually push myself to make this a Christmas about giving. In a bitter world of complainers, it's hard to be the one who is optimistic. It's easy to see the 1000 reasons to be dissatisfied, without noticing the things that make it wonderful.

But, don't get me wrong. This blog entry is not a sermon by any means. I'm just trying to make it a Christmas of giving. And, that's a lot easier said than done.

sick day

I was driving to work today, up the redneck interstate. I began to feel a queasy spasm in my abdomen. The chinese I ate earlier? Probably. The weight of my job? That, too.

I pulled over on an interstate exit, and pulled out my cell phone. I dialed my retail store of employment, and asked for the manager. I explained, simply, that I felt sick and didn't think I could work today. I felt somewhat guilty, but also resolved about not working. Was I just flaking out? Partially. But, I was also searching myself. I do that a lot lately. She was understanding and kind about it, and told me to feel better soon.

Now, I sit in my house, tired. Tired, but relaxed. I feel better, like a kid who stayed home from school. I've been putting too much pressure on myself to meet the expectations of others. I think that's my biggest problem. Sometimes it's hard to just be you. So often I allow outer forces to push me around. Well, not today. And, if I'm lucky, not any other day. Too much exhaustion makes Jack a dull boy.

hilarious schlock: 2005

Well, another surreal year of pop culture is coming to a close. And, wow, has the mediocrity hit a whole new high.

We saw Michael Jackson dancing like an idiot atop an SUV, while being charged for serving up Jesus Juice to the kiddies. How did he get aquitted? That weird white-haired guy must be a good lawyer after all. A really, really good lawyer. I guess Michael's ending up the year prancing around Switzerland or some place, having snowball fights and eating chocolate with midgets and whatnot.

Thankfully, Ben Aff-FLOP didn't churn out any more unbearable schlock because of his new baby. Guess we'll have to wait til next year for "Daredevil 2", or "Christmas with the Kranks 2." Hm. Can't wait.

While we're on the subject, Ben's old buddy Matt ain't doin' so hot, either. I don't care what anybody says. The last couple years have been rough. Brothers Grimm? Seriously. He must've taken advice from Aff-FLOP about that film choice. And, "Bourne Supremecy"? It would've been better if it hadn't been filmed with a home video camera. Would it have killed them to give Damon's character some dialouge? It should've been called Bourne Stupidity. Or, Bored Supremecy. And this new oil movie? I'd rather watch a movie about carburetors, or something.

Rappers have been about their usual business: being platinum, and telling us all about it. Ok, we get it. You make a great deal of money. Yeah, we know. You own guns.

George Lucas presented us with the last Star Wars ever! At least, until they make the next one. The dialouge still sounds like it was written by an 8th grader for a class project, but at least it was the best one of the new ones.

And, we get to end the year with a new Jim Carrey flop, and a bizarre Peter Jackson King Kong. I liked it better the first time, when it was called...well, King Kong.

Once again, Hollywood has proven they have little or nothing to offer except the same old schlock in new packaging. And, even the packaging isn't that new anymore.

It's a Wonderful Life

Well, it seems like poor George Bailey can't quite get out of Bedford Falls. He knows he's too good for this little town, and he has big plans and a bright future. He wants to move to New York and design expansive city buildings, and make millions. He's bright, ambitious, and everyone in the town knows he's going places.

But, he just can't seem to break free of his Bedford Falls roots. Just before he leaves for college, his father falls ill and dies. The poor people of the town desperately beg 'ol George to salvage his daddy's broke "building and loan" business. Reluctantly, George helps them out, and gets mired in the local politics.

A few years later, he's still stuck in the same old mediocre town. The same poor people live there, and he's still running the same broken down building and loan. Meanwhile, his friends have moved on to bigger and better things. Their lives are progressing, and some of them are making lots of money. George's younger brother, having fought in the war, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, and met the President.

Mean old Mr. Potter is out to get George Bailey, because the Bailey Building and Loan is the only entity left in town that he doesn't run. He's a cruel old man with lots, and lots, and lots of old money.

Mr. Potter gains the opportunity to steal 8000 dollars from George's savings and loan, and he does. He stops at nothing to scrape together every penny for himself. This puts George in a terrible position. Groveling, like a begger, he desperately attempts to hold the savings and loan together that his father held so dearly.

Reaching the breaking point, and knowing he will probably go to jail, he realizes that his life insurance policy is worth more to his family if he's dead. He's living in a shack, with mouths he can't feed. He stands at the edge of a bridge, on a cold dark Christmas eve, fully prepared to end it all.

Then, Clarence the angel shows up. He shows George how much good he has brought to the town. And, he explains that it is ridiculous to end your life over a matter of 8000 measly dollars. (worth more in 1946). George sees the terrible reality that would've existed if he'd never been born. His younger brother would've drown, because George wasn't there to save him. George's wife would grow up cold and alone. His old boss goes to jail. The list goes on and on.

George re-enters reality, with new fervor for his life. The townspeople, in a Christmas eve scramble to save the building and loan, raise thousands and thousands of dollars. One of George's old friends sends $25,000. The love of the town is overwhelming, and George learns and important lesson. If a man has friends, he can not be a failure. His friends and family make him the richest man in Bedford Falls.

links

Check out some of the links on this blog. I've put links to things I think are interesting, and/or things I am personally connected with.

Also, browse the blog links as well. My friends write fascinating blogs! And, don't forget to check out my movie review blog, which is brand new!

Dempseys

Last night I went to see a musical group called The Dempseys. I was reluctant at first, but it turned out to be fairly interesting. Of course, they must have been charged up on Red Bull, because they played two hours without stopping. I don't know how they did it, but I couldn't stay focused for that long.

They were kind of like a cartoon rockabilly band, playing an endless string of cover songs. At first, I found their energy infectious and endearing, until I finally couldn't take it anymore. (After almost 2 solid hours of standing up.) They are certainly full of humor and whacky antics. It was definitely different.

I reviewed Broken Flowers on my movie review blog. Click here to read it! And to clear up any confusion in the last blog entry, this blog is not going anywhere! I will continue to faithfully update this one, as my own child.

new blog!

Greetings blog readers! I have finally bitten a certain bullet. I have been contemplating starting up a new movie review blog. While my personal blog is demanding (in internet terms), I decided it would be worth it to start up this new creative outlet. Here is the address:

http://evansilverscreen.blogspot.com

Check it out and let me know what you think!

Christmas stress

December 6? Can it be true? This first week of December has drifted by too fast. I have been trying to enjoy the Christmas season, in my own ways. It's so easy to get bogged down in all the commerialism that goes on around us. It's easy to grow cynical about the Christmas holiday. It's also a temptation to mourn for the lost days of childhood nostalgia (even though those childhood memories are idealized!)

The key is to approach this Christmas as a brand new opportunity. There has never been a Christmas 2005, so it's a new time. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to feel a certain way about Christmas. Just plan out things you want to do in celebration of Christmas, and don't sweat it! Get creative with your celebration ideas. Me? Well, I've got a collection of Christmas favorite movies in my Netflix queue. Home Alone, It's a Wonderful Life, and the hilariously cheesey Jingle All the Way, just to name a few. And, I blogged recently about watching the ALF Christmas special, and actually crying. Funny, and touching to cry while watching ALF.

I've also been listening to some fantastic Christmas music. You know, "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer", and whatnot. All the Bing Crosby classics, as well as Burl Ives. And, yes, The Chipmunks. But, I don't overload on Christmas music. I listen to it until the moment passes, then it's back to Busta Rhymes. (Just kidding.) But, the point is, Christmas in moderation is healthy.

And finally, whatever your family situation is this year, whatever your financial situation is, however your emotional state, just remember the most important thing: The point of this whole celebration! Don't lose touch with the roots of Christmas. It's an old, old story that dates back 2000 years. A baby, born in unlikely circumstances, with you and me on His mind. It's also about giving. Maybe a Christmas charity donation will lift your spirits, and help someone in need!

Bottom line: I'm working in retail this Christmas. That's right! And, that has the potential to kill any joy Christmas may hold for me, if I let it. That's why I have to keep a healthy perspective about Christmas, and remind myself that it has nothing to do with people fighting over Furbies.

frail body

A murky vision appeared before me. A bright, light brown desert. The wavy heat rose from the earth as I began to feel my body. I was shirtless, and was clothed in tattered pants. I didn't have any shoes, and my feet began to feel the intense heat of the desert sand.

As I stumbled wearily through the desert, the bright sandy horizon grew clearer in my vision. The blinding light of the sun scorched my skin into a red sweaty layer of leather. My wobbly legs finally gave out, and my frail body stumbled involuntarily, then crumpled to the soft ground.

The heat was painful, and my breath drew in shallowly, rhytmically, as my heart beat weakly. I wiped sweat from my brow with my bare hand. The sand beneath me was blistering hot. The pain seared through me like electricity. My throat was as dry as desert bones. I had grown accustomed to the taste of sand over the course of my listless wandering.

"Rise." A loud, solid, confident bass voice bellowed. Startled, I raised my head to see the source of the command. That's when I saw the thing.

Looming nine feet above me, this great warrior gazed down upon my frail body in disgust. Covered in tarnished silver armor, his face was shielded. His black deepset eyes stared at my pathetic limp body. I was almost too close to the brink of collapse to bother being afraid.

But I was afraid.

"I command you to rise." His voice once more blasting down at me. With adrenaline awakening within me once more, I feebly pulled myself up, feeling lightheaded and inadequate.

"What? Who are you?" My voice quivered, sounding unusually thin and powerless.

"Look before you. Survey this land." He gestured with his metallic hand toward the panoramic landscape of endless desert around me. "What do you see?"

I gasped a couple of times, choking on sand. I coughed, and thought there might be a wrong answer. Surely this giant warrior was going to kill me, and that would be the end. "I...I see a lot of nothing."

"Fool!" Blinding pain struck my head as his backhand swiftly and gracefully smashed the side of my face, sending me sprawling on my back. The world began to fade, as the agony weighed my conscience into blackness. Briefly, I passed out on the hot sand.

"Rise." The voice snapped me back to the reality of bright hot sun, and his looming warrior body. "Rise, or be destroyed." My head throbbed painfully.

I forced myself to my feet. "You answer like a simple-minded fool," he corrected. "See all that is before you. Gaze upon it, and remember the days of your childhood. This is the very place you grew up. This is the place of your youth, simpleton."

"No." I began crying. "This is not my childhood home. This terrible, wastful desert is not familiar to me. I grew up in lush gardens."

"You sicken me. You cannot recognize your own surroundings?" The great warrior reached out to me, and grabbed my arm tightly. He lifted me up toward his flat, metallic face, and pierced into my soul with those deep black eyes. "This is your childhood home. What do you remember of it?"

I offered my true memories."It was beautiful. It was serene." He was squeezing my left arm so hard, I thought it was going to crush under the pressure. "So...magical."

"You are blind by your shortsighted ignorance." Apathetically, he tossed my frail body to the ground. I landed harshly, and I curled into the fetal position. His deep voice bellowed, "You will remember that time once more. I grace you with a second chance."

"May I die?"

"NO!" He retorted, angrily. "You will live, fool!" His finger pointed accusingly at my pathetic body. "You bring this draught upon yourself. In your selfishness, you have forgotten where you are." From his shoulders, magnificent wings of reds and browns sprawled open against the blue sky. Flapping powerfully, the great warrior slowly rose into the air. Then, with three forceful beats, the warrior rose upward into the clear sky. I watched with weary eyes as his body appeared smaller and smaller as he flew higher and higher.

Then, I was alone again. My mind drifted into the memories of my childhood. They were calm, vivid memories of carefree existence among the trees of the lush green gardens. Images of brightly colored flowers, bushes, and exotic plants freely flooded my tired mind.

A dark grey cloud covered the sun, and the sweet shadow cooled my dry body. The entire sky became grey cloud. Soft, cold rain began showering down in light drops. The air grew cooler, and my breath was deeper. I watched as plants and trees grew right before my eyes, in thick undergrowth. It was the familiar garden of my childhood.

Stumbling through this newfound terrain, a cold blue body of water rested before me. I bathed my body, and drank heartily from its flowing wells. I knew this was the beginning of a new era.

The End

Alf

Some of you may remember the obscure 80's hit comedy, ALF. (ALF stands for "Alien Life Form".) I rented one of the discs of the second season, because it had the ALF Christmas Special on it. I watched it at home one morning, before I had to go to work.

Admittedly, the only reason I wanted to rent ALF was for the cheesey humor. I mean, the acting is hilariously cheesey, and some of the one-liners about eating cats, and ALF's home world Melmac are unbelievably bad. However, when I watched the Christmas Special, ladies and gentlemen, I actually cried. It was one of the most tender and heartfelt Christmas specials I've ever seen in my life.

ALF goes up to a cabin with his adopted family to spend Christmas in a cabin that Willy (the family's low budget Dad) stayed in when he was a child. ALF starts trouble when he opens all the gifts, ruins the food, and complains nonstop. Willy gets enraged and yells at ALF, telling him to leave the cabin to "take a long walk." ALF climbs into the back of a delivery truck, and ends up in a pile of toys. These toys were being delivered to needy children in a hospital. ALF gets handed out as a stuffed animal to a young girl with a terminal disease. She is a kind-hearted young girl, who discovers that ALF is a real, living creature. ALF is moved by her story, and connects with her feelings of fear and loneliness.

Later, ALF stops an elderly man from jumping off a bridge. The man's wife has died, and he does not want to continue in this cold uncaring world alone. ALF gently explains that he makes a difference in the world, and that he needs to stick around to continue his mission of helping people.

One of the reasons I love going back and watching obscure pop culture gems from the 80's is because every so often you uncover a treasure of value. I hope your Christmas season this December is filled with true giving. Remember those who have less, and who are genuinely needy. Don't turn your back on those who ask for help. As a cheesey 80's puppet has reminded me, Christmas is about love and giving, which is more blessed than receiving.